Where can agents complete the 2027 ACA certification?

Agents can complete FFM training through the CMS Enterprise Portal, HealthSherpa, or INSXCloud. These approved vendors also offer Continuing Education Units in select states.

When do state-based exchange certifications open and close?

State exchange training deadlines vary. For example, Colorado and Georgia close on November 1, 2026, Maryland's deadline is October 24, 2026, and Virginia's closes on October 10, 2026. Agents should check with each state exchange for current deadlines.

2027 ACA Exchange & FFM Certification Info

It’s time to start preparing for the 2027 Open Enrollment Period! We’ll discuss all the certification changes and important updates that you need to be aware of for the upcoming plan year.

Read on to learn what to expect from the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) certification and state exchange trainings.

Marketplace Training Deadlines To Be Aware Of

The 2027 FFM certification is available through the CMS Enterprise Portal Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS). A mobile version of the FFM training is available to take on the go. For agents utilizing HealthSherpa, this training is also available on the CMS Enterprise portal.

Agents need to recertify to be ready-to-sell for 2027. A mobile version of the training is available.

FFM certification is only required for agents selling in the federal exchange. If you only sell products in a state-based exchange, you’ll need to complete the appropriate state-specific training. Some state exchanges open agent trainings as early as mid-July.

Check out the table below to see which exchanges are live now!

All agents must update their MLMS profile on the CMS Enterprise Portal in addition to completing the 2026 training course to be considered ready-to-sell.

Below, we’ve listed important dates for the ACA exchanges in which Ritter is active. Learn more about each exchange by registering with Ritter and visiting our Certification Center.

Exchange	Important Info
FFM	2026 FFM training closes July 12 2027 FFM training will be available late July or early August Training must be completed through the CMS MLMS Portal
CA	2026 training closes [date] 2027 training is available [date] Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at Covered California
CO	2026 training closes July 31 2027 training is available [date] Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at Connect for Health Colorado
CT	2026 training closes [date] 2027 training is available [date] Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at Access Health CT
GA	2026 training is closed 2027 training is available [date] Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at Georgia Access
IL	2026 training is closed 2027 training is available [date] Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at Get Covered Illinois
KY	2026 training is closed 2027 training is available beginning August 16 In order to access Agent Portal through Self-Service Portal (SSP), you must complete Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) onboarding the required Agent State-Based Marketplace Registration Web-Based Training (WBT) Enrollment and more information is available at kynect
MD	2026 training closes June 14 2026 training opened August 6, 2025 2027 training is available beginning August 26 Agents must apply and complete initial training to receive authorization to sell. Broker authorization expires after two years. Maryland Health Benefit Exchange will send a renewal notice no later than 60 days prior to expiration date. All brokers must pass the MHBE Consumer Assistance Worker (CAW) Pre-Credentialing exam. In order to remain authorized for the upcoming OEP, all currently authorized brokers must also adhere to this requirement. Agents will receive an email directly from Adobe regarding Annual Training. The due date for both the completion of Annual Training & the CAW exam is [date]. Exams will be offered twice weekly — Wednesdays 11^AM to 12:30^PM ET and Thursdays 1 to 2:30^PM ET. You must register for each exam attempt in advance in Adobe LMS. Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at Maryland Health Connection
NJ	2026 training closes [date] 2027 training is available [date] Broker Intent to Sell must be completed by [date] to be ready-to-sell by November 1. Once form is complete, you will receive an email from [email protected] with a link to complete the 2027 training. Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at GetCoveredNJ
NY	Agents must certify every two years from their initial certification date There is no annual certification course Note: All NY Essential plans became non-commissionable for new/renewing members starting January 1, 2026. Agents are no longer able to sell Essential Plans for any carrier. New contracts are no longer available Enrollment and more information can be accessed at NY State of Health
PA	2026 training closes [date] 2027 training is available [date] Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at Pennie
VA	2026 training closes [date] 2027 training is available [date] Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace

Remember: Returning agents are able to take a condensed training. Agents who are new to the ACA market and did not certify or missed a recertification deadline, must complete the full individual marketplace training.

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We’ll continue to update this post and our Certification Center when we receive more details. Check back for updates!

Are you ready to take on the federal or state exchanges? Check out our free eBook on selling ACA insurance plans! Start preparing for the OEP now, read our Pre-OEP Prep guide here!